Twenty three women graduated from the Mary Mazzarello Development Centre at Henderson on the 24th of June.
This center is running by the Salesian Sisters for the women to learn skills in sewing and cooking. The graduation commenced with the Eucharist celebration and Fr. Lawrence OP was the main celebrants. Concelebrants were Fr. Albert sdb and Fr. Peter OP. The liturgy was well prepared by the graduants and Mr. Philip.
At the beginning of the graduation ceremony St. Matalena Leota FMA, Director of the MMDC gave a report on various activities and the life of the center. This was followed by the main speech by Mrs. Martha Horiwapu as the guest of honor.
She spoke beautifully on the theme selected by the graduants and staff of MMDC which is “Skillful women, with their faith, journeying together for a better living.” She highlighted the important of utilizing the skills they learnt in the centre to make a different in their lives and their communities. “Graduants, you are now equipped with the most important skills that will help you make a different in your life and your community.
“These skills need not to be packed and put away. You prepared yourselves with these skills to be agents of change in your families, in the lives of other women in your communities and the country.”
Among the special guests were the Marianist Brothers, Br. David and Br. Robert who are in the country to run workshops for the three dioceses of the Catholic Church.
Mr. Cypriano Nuake-National Director Teacher Workforce Reform, Mrs. Emily Pita Siriki-Director of Inspectorate and Ms. Modesta Hasiau-Education Secretary AHEA.
The good number of relatives and friends turned up to witness and congratulate the women in their achievement. In the end of such a joyful occasion the participants presented gifts as tokens of gratitude to the sisters and the staff.
The refreshment was provided by the sisters and the graduants. The varieties of cakes baked by the MMDC women.
The finished products in their sewing sessions were also displayed and some relatives and friends bought most of them. The day ended with a closing prayer and best wishes to all.